IIC files PPA for CT Obfuscation Invention

IIC files PPA for CT Obfuscation Invention

Our mission is to provide cutting-edge engineering support solutions that empower our clients with accurate and actionable data. Each day our specialized and exceptionally qualified team is sought by industrial partners around the world to solve some of the most challenging tasks – like detecting specks of foreign object debris in aeronautical positioning systems or hairline fractures in ocean submersibles. 

By chance we stumbled upon the ability to characterize features inside sealed collectible card containers – something we publicized as a typical [case study] on our website. Because we did not have a full understanding of the scope of the collectibles market, we believed the case study to be trivial, or at most a marketing tool for potential industrial markets (packaging manufacturers, metal 3D printing, coating application studies, and so on).

This [novel service offering] went viral in a matter of days, quickly and simultaneously producing intense social media critique and hundreds of requests by the common man and world-renowned brands alike. Interestingly, some of the most vocally opposed have had the audacity to request their own products be imaged. While every potential and actual client is covered under our quality management system NDA, readers should know just how pervasive this technological capability has become for the collectibles market. Our client base is global and covers all levels of the industry.

Michael Jordan Card CT Scan
Michael Jordan Physical Card to CT Scan Comparison

Due to the ethical quandary of revealing the contents of sealed collectibles, we have also received requests for consultation from a variety of manufacturers and packaging firms. To satisfy this alternative demand, we have developed and filed a Provisional Patent Application regarding a new and extremely effective technology designed to mitigate the feasibility of CT scanning collectibles. Our hope is that this intellectual property is licensed or purchased so that we can exit this space and focus back toward more challenging and purpose-driven work. In the meantime, we will continue to make this technology accessible to all, work to expose exactly what can and can’t be imaged effectively, and investigate additional mitigation technologies.

Double stacked aluminum cases with identified serial numbers, names, and autographs

World’s First Collector Card CT Scanning Service

UPDATE 8/3/2024:
We are aware of and working through the moral dilemma of CT scanning sealed collectibles. Our objective position is one of scientific ability and data-driven results. It is not our responsibility to determine the ethical positions and choices of others and we do not accept responsibility for their actions.
1. We have brought awareness to the entire industry of the existence and capabilities of this technology; it is up to individuals to make informed decisions moving forward.
2. In light of information we have received from industry insiders, we believe companies are using this technology in secret to take advantage of the collectibles market.
3. We are making this technology accessible to everyone rather than to just a minority.
4. We are working on policies to combat deceptive practices.
5. We are working on partnering with manufacturers to develop packaging security solutions.
6. We will continue to consider every request we receive.
7. This technology is here to stay and there will probably be additional companies offering it as a service at some time in the future.
8. The majority of requests we have received have been from people curious about the value of their “30 year old collectible” and if this is their opportunity for a life changing moment.

INDUSTRIAL INSPECTION BECOMES THE WORLD'S FIRST COLLECTOR CARD CT SCANNING SERVICE

First, we made public what’s been happening in secret. Now, we are bringing x-ray vision to the masses – quickly, affordably, and reliably. Preserve your investments, maintain your edge against wealthy investors and bad actors, and understand the value of what you own. We can image everything from packs to booster boxes for sports and card games.

To learn more check out our Collector Card CT Scanning Page here:

COLLECTOR CARD CT SCANNING SERVICES
COLLECTOR CARD CT SCANNING SERVICES

Inspecting Additively Manufactured Parts using Industrial CT Scanning

Inspecting Additively Manufactured Components using Industrial CT Scanning

Additive manufacturing (3D printing) allows for the creation of highly complex and intricate designs that would be difficult or impossible to achieve with traditional manufacturing methods. This includes features like internal channels, lattice structures, and custom geometries. Because these complex designs are typically internal, their inspection is also extremely difficult or impossible. One option is to physically cut the part, but this introduces a variety of consequences. Another option, and the purpose of this case study, is to digitally cut through the sample using Industrial CT Scanning technology. CT Scanning allows us to capture highly accurate data for the inspection of internal and external geometry of a variety of components.

Part sectioned to photograph internal profiles

ROTATIONAL VIEWING METHOD

Cylindrical parts like this can be viewed about an axis. A cylinder is defined and then the viewing pane rotates about that axis to show inconsistencies and indications. The left arrow shows vertical build failures. The right arrow shows trapped build material.

UNROLL VIEWING METHOD

For an alternative look at internal geometries, a cylindrical feature can be “unrolled” into a planar view. Image a toilet paper roll cut down one side and laid flat on a table. This offers the viewer the opportunity to simultaneously view a given offset from an axis.

VOLUMETRIC POROSITY CALCULATIONS

Porosity and inclusions can be extracted and calculated for volume, spherical diameter, and other characteristics. This information can be used to qualify parts or amend manufacturing parameters for better parts.

BUILD DEFECT LOCATING AND IMAGING

Internal build failures can be located and evaluated before the component makes it into the field.

CT Scanning Castings for Porosity

CT SCANNING CASTINGS FOR POROSITY EVALUATION

CT Scanning is used to quantify porosity within a part – whether it be plastics or metals. This information is useful for applications like process changes to reduce machining fallout or investigating failures like through wall leaks. As technology rapidly changes, large format, high energy CT systems paired with software packages like Volume Graphics can accommodate large and high density products.

Unlike 2D X-Ray imaging, 3D CT Scanning can volumetrically quantify porosity. This quantification can be exported to Excel for statistical analysis to comare between manufacturing changes.

This large air cooler required four scans for total data acquisition. We then aligned and contrast adjusted the CT scans for a seamless review of the casting.

Casting Porosity CT Scan 1 Casting Porosity CT Scan 2

First Article Inspections using PolyWorks

First Article Inspections

First Article Inspection (FAI) is a comprehensive verification process used in manufacturing to ensure that a newly produced part or component meets all specified requirements. It involves inspecting and testing the first production item against the engineering drawings, specifications, and other applicable standards.

FAI typically involves detailed inspections, measurements, and testing to verify critical dimensions, material properties, functionality, and performance characteristics of the part.

3D PROFILING

3D scanning is the process of creating a three-dimensional representation of an object. This representation is in the form of a scan file which can be compared to the perfect design model. The profile comparison heat map allows inspectors and manufacturers to identify defects, deviations, or areas of concern. The scale can be set to any tolerance:

Green to Red represents material “above” CAD surfaces

Green to Blue represents material “below” CAD surfaces

Gray represents geometry outside of the tolerance band

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DIMENSIONAL INSPECTION

Dimensional inspection involves measuring various dimensions, such as distances, diameters, angles, complex GD&T like true positions, concentricity, and runout. These controls are used to ensure products conform to the design specifications and tolerances provided by engineering drawings.

We use PolyWorks Metrology Suite for programming, automated inspection, SPC evaluation, and imaging.

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Industrial CT Step Scanning (4D CT) of Gaskets and Seals

Step Scanning FOR VARIOUS CONDITIONS

Step scanning, often referred to as “4D CT”, is the process of collecting several CT datasets at various product conditions, aligning those datasets to a common datum reference frame, and saving images to demonstrate product changes.

This practice is commonly used for parts or products that actuate or have several functioning positions. For example, this water bottle has multiple sealing interfaces that change depending on the valve / straw configuration. Perhaps a leak forms when the valve is at a specific angle, but not when the spout is fully closed or open.

Axially rotating clips about a part are also useful for inspecting an entire gasket to groove relationship.

HIGH RESOLUTION CT SLICE IMAGING

CT slice imaging can be measured in Volume Graphics or exported to .stl for use in other softwares for dimensional inspection in PolyWorks, or FEA in Ansys. Scrolling through the part allows us to quickly detect voids, measure wall thickness, locate gaps between materials, and characterize leak paths. pinches, or cracks.

CT Scanning & 3D Printing Jumping Spider

CT Scanning & 3D Printing Spiders

With our micro-focus CT scanning systems we are able to collect the incredible details of objects like this spider. Learn more about the capability on our CT Scanning Services page.

The final result of the scan is a high resolution, water tight STL which is perfect for 3D printing. What isn’t perfect for printing is the internal geometry – the spinnerets. To really do something exceptional we printed the spider clear in order to make the inside geometry visible.

3D Render of Jumping Spider
3D Render of Jumping Spider
3D Render of Spider's Sternum
3D Render of Spider's Sternum
3D Render of Spinnerets
3D Render of Spinnerets

SPINNERETS INSIDE THE SPIDER'S ABDOMEN

Abdomen and spines on legs

CT Scanning Unopened Pokemon Cards

NOW YOU CAN PIKACHU CARDS WITHOUT OPENING THE BOX

This case study is a testament to the sensitivity of Industrial CT imaging. Our team has been able to characterize holographic cards in unopened Pokémon packs. The concept formed during brainstorming sessions for application case studies. After spending endless hours researching packs and cards, spending thousands of dollars on them, and many late nights testing and optimizing parameters, we were able to extract the shape of the Pokémon due to slight density differences in the cards and foils.

Hypno
Pokemon Card in CT Scanner

Below is our initial test card – a 1st Edition Fossil Hypno (Cert #3902070061) that we broke out of the case to test by sleeving it between several other cards to represent a pack. The GIF shows a transition between an aligned image of the card and the CT slice plane.

Because of the incredible results we felt more comfortable buying a couple fossil packs, and with the success of the packs we moved on to entire kits.

Below is an M Blastoise EX from an XY – Evolutions kit worth $700.  The bottom left view shows the exact location of the card. While there are several other holographics in the packs contained in this kit, we’ll keep what they are a secret for now.

Scanning & Reverse Engineering Firearm Components

REVERSE ENGINEERING FIREARM COMPONENTS

High resolution scan data acquired by our laser and CT systems is used to reverse engineer firearm components. This data can be used to modify existing hardware or build new components around historical or existing hardware.

Below is a magazine that was scanned with a 9mm round. The steps include:

  • Laser scan the components
  • Model the components in Geomagic relative to the laser scan
  • Compare the produced model back to the scan file to ensure accuracy

CT SCANNING INTRICATE COMPONENTS

Many gun components are small and intricate. Some scanning devices may not have the resolution or ability to capture all the necessary geometry for an accurate model. CT scanning allows us to acquire surfaces like slots and assemblies without completely disassembling them. While mixed-material assemblies can be problematic (steel against plastic), there is typically a way to stage the part to get useful data.

This trigger assembly is plastic with metal springs and pins. 

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Measuring Slop in Assembly Plunger Tracks

MEASURING SLOP IN ASSEMBLY ATTACHMENTS

Laser & CT scanning produces high accuracy, water tight digital representations of products to be used for part to part and part to CAD dimensional inspection.

This case study demonstrates the measurement of slop between two wet vacuum attachments. One attachment was noticeably looser than the other but defining exactly where would not be possible without mapping the entire mating point.

Data was acquired in our Nikon Industrial CT Scanner, exported to .STL, and imported into PolyWorks Metrology Suite for dimensional comparison.

HEAD 2 ALIGNED TO HEAD 1

A local best fit of the mating zones was created and a cross section was placed at the area of interest: the plunger and rib track which aligns the head to the hose.

HEAD 2 ALIGNED TO HEAD 1

The 2D cross section provides a color-coded profile of a line heatmap. Green to Red colors indicate the “compared” geometry is positive (proud) compared to the reference geometry, while Green to Purple colors indicated geometry is negative (shy) compared to the reference geometry. This tells us the loose fitting head has a larger profile than the tight head and can help engineers tune their molding process.